In Memoriam

Billy Bob RIP

Billy Bob RIP

Billy Bob came to the sanctuary in 2010. He was a chattel in the sale of a property, essentially coming with the property like light fittings and curtains. It reinforces the concept as animals being ‘property’.

Billy Bob was an escape artist and caused his new owners a lot of worry. Since being at the sancyuary he has been the head of the goat herd and is happy to stay put.

Billy Bob passed away in 2016.

Blindy RIP

Blindy RIP

Blindy has lived at the Sanctuary for a number of years now. As her name suggests, Blindy is vision impaired and she relies on her best friend and seeing eye sheep Diva, to help her keep up with the flock and to find the hay.

Sadly Blindy passed away on the 12th December 2015. She was put to sleep at the vets after her breathing became laboured as a result of a respiratory infection.

RIP

Sam Simon RIP

Sam Simon RIP

On the 12th October 2015, Sam Simon, possibly our largest rescued rooster, found a place to call his own. Sam Simon arrived at Big Ears after being dumped on the road side. Despite being a large bird, he was scared and very timid. He has since grown into a self assured bird and uses his size to help break up fights between other roosters. This behaviour and the fact that he is a large white rooster has earned him the nickname UN – United Nations.

Roxy the Cow RIP

Roxy the Cow RIP

Roxy the cow is approximately 15 years old. She was originally rescued by some kind people from a dairy farm. She was then rehomed with her cow friend Katie to a farm not too far from Big Ears. Life was good there, they were loved and cared for. However, the owners were in the process of moving interstate and went over to do some of the unpacking and settling in, leaving the cows unattended. Katie managed to get herself into a yard near the house that only had concrete in it. She became emaciated with no food to eat and Roxy lost her voice from all the mooing she was doing trying to get attention to Katie’s plight.

On pure intuition, Jacqui persuaded Brett to take her to the farm to check on the animals even though they had not be asked to do so. Jacqui just felt it was a long time for the animals to be on their own and had an uneasy feeling. Jacqui’s uneasy feeling proved accurate as Katie was located close to death still stuck in the tank yard with concrete and no water or food. Katie was emaciated with ribs and other bones poking out. Her manure was the size of 20 cent pieces. Roxy was nearby encouraging Jacqui and Brett to free her friend. Once released from the yard Katie drank and ate and reunited herself with Roxy.

Jacqui and Brett contacted the owners to let them know what they found and that they were taking hay and a mineral lick to Katie and would check her daily. The rest is history. The people asked if Big Ears could home Katie and Roxy and they have been here ever since. It was indeed a close call for Katie and a good reminder to people that all animals need to be checked on regularly as you never know what type of mischief or accident they might have.

Burnum (RIP)

Burnum (RIP)

Burnum is an Australian Emu (not a Tasmanian one as they are extinct). Burnum lives at the Sanctuary with his partner Lowanna. They were being sold as a breeding pair but Jacqui could not bear the thought of these beautiful creatures being in a small area and used for breeding. Both Lowanna and Burnum will not be allowed to hatch any young (this could be quite an experience given that the male raises the young and sits on the nest and can be quite aggressive). The Emu is the third largest land bird, they can reach 1.5 to 2 metres tall and weigh up to 35 kilograms. They are an inquisitive creature and must be respected for the sheer strength and power of their feet which can rip through wire fencing.

Burnum is an Aborginal word for courage. Burnum can be sponsored for $150.00 a year. This will go towards his food as well as health treatments.

Sydney RIP

Sydney RIP

Sydney came to Big Ears after being handed into a vet. He had been attacked by a cat. He had an injury to his hind leg. Sponsorship will go towards his health check, any treatment needed for his leg, vaccination and de-sex. Sponsorship is $100.